We Walk for “Team Kimma”
Kimma (Kimberly Doyle Marotta) was born on March 4th 1980. She died on October 15th 2016, at age 36. Her sister, Michelle, called her Kimma and the name stuck.
Kimma was diagnosed with heart disease at age 28, following the birth of her daughter Anna, in 2008. Her condition got much worse during her pregnancy with Sophie in 2012. Her first triple bypass surgery was in January 2013, followed by a second two years later. She didn’t let her heart failure get her down, rather she accepted the challenge and trained to become a WomenHeart Champion to raise awareness, and educate women of the risks of heart disease. She shared her story with groups throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina as a member of WomenHeart, the National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease.
My story began in Feb 2013. The week after Kim had her first bypass. I suffered a STEMI heart attack. If you don't know what that means, it is called the widowmaker because most people don't survive it. Fortunately for me, Susan was in the bed when mine happened. She performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. She saved my life that night. For which I thank her every night before bed. I spent 2 weeks in a coma. After waking up I had no idea what had happened. Sue was there every day and night. After 2 more weeks in the hospital I got to go home. We then began my rehab. The first month I rehabbed at home because I could not walk very well. The next 3 months I went to Duke Rehab. These were amazing people. With their's and Sue's help I made great progress. It was another 4 months before I returned to work. I am still aware of my disease and that is why I walk. To remember Kim and try to help others who may be stricken with this disease.
Kimma’s memory will live on with her parents, her husband, two beautiful daughters, her sister, extended family and the many friends she made throughout her life. Please help continue her legacy by donating to the American Heart Association Triangle Heart Walk through “Team Kimma”.
“Always in Our Heart”
Thanks so much for your generosity,
Sue And David Doyle
